Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are gearing up for their much-anticipated rematch TODAY (Sat., Dec. 21, 2024) LIVE on DAZN pay-per-view (PPV) from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their first encounter took place this past May, where Usyk dealt Fury his first-ever defeat via split-decision, claiming the undisputed Heavyweight crown.
Usyk has risen through the ranks as one of the premier heavyweights after a decade of dominance, overcoming numerous top challengers. His victory over Fury crowned him the undisputed champion, solidifying his legacy. While Usyk embodies confidence after his win and previous victories over Anthony Joshua, he maintains a humble demeanor in the boxing world. Another win over Fury would undoubtedly elevate his status, affirming his position as the best Heavyweight boxer globally. Conversely, Fury is not only seeking revenge but also a chance to prove his critics wrong. A loss could lead to a crucial turning point in his boxing career.
After experiencing 12 grueling rounds with Usyk, Fury now knows what to expect from the Ukrainian fighter. Usyk also learned valuable insights from that first bout, where he found significant success against the taller Fury. With his win fresh in his mind, Usyk will carry confidence into the rematch, though he understands the formidable power Fury possesses. Additionally, Fury’s recent struggle against Francis Ngannou, who is still relatively new to the boxing scene, raises questions about his current capabilities.
The only drawback of the Riyadh season is the timing of the events, which occur early in the morning. It might be a traditional viewpoint, but boxing matches in the evening often create a unique atmosphere that enhances the viewing experience.
In Heavyweight action, Johnny Fisher will bring his undefeated track record (12-0) to the ring against Dave Allen, a seasoned British fighter known for his power with 18 knockouts in his 23 wins. After over a decade in professional boxing, Allen has yet to secure a defining victory, but perhaps ending Fisher’s unbeaten streak could be a breakthrough for him.
In another exciting matchup, Daniel Lapin (10-0) will clash against fellow unbeaten fighter Dylan Colin (14-0). Lapin has demonstrated impressive speed, while the towering Ukrainian stands at 6’6”, with four of his victories coming by knockout. Colin, fighting out of France, counters with his own four knockouts but will face a height disadvantage of five inches.
In further championship action, Andrii Novytskyi (13-0) will defend his WBC International Heavyweight title against Edgar Ramirez (10-1). Novytskyi enters as the favorite, boasting 10 knockouts, four of which came in the opening round of his fights, establishing his reputation. However, Ramirez has a chance to create an upset and gain recognition in the boxing realm.
Taking a moment to evaluate the interest level for the upcoming events, I would rate it at 6/10.
Looking towards the co-main event, Serhii Bohachuk will aim for redemption against Ishmael Davis after losing his interim WBC light middleweight title to Vergil Ortiz Jr. Davis also has a strong record (13-1), with his only defeat coming in his most recent fight against Josh Kelly.
Moses Itauma is another name to watch; having debuted in 2023 with a flawless record of 10-0, he has accumulated eight knockouts, six of which occurred in the first two rounds. His opponent, Demsey McKean, is entering the ring after suffering his first career loss to Filip Hrgović over a year ago, previously maintaining a streak of 22 wins, with 14 coming via knockout.
Issac Lowe and Lee McGregor are set to compete for the vacant WBC International Featherweight title. Lowe, who has found success in his recent fights, faces a talented McGregor, who has carved out his own successful path in the sport, with an impressive knockout ratio.
Enjoy the fights!
Full Usyk vs. Fury 2 Fight Card:
‘Reignited’ Main Event On DAZN PPV (6 p.m. ET):
Oleksandr Usyk (22-0) vs. Tyson Fury (34-1-1) | Heavyweight, 12×3 for WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight titles
‘Reignited’ Undercard On DAZN PPV (11 a.m. ET):
Serhii Bohachuk (24-2) vs. Ishmael Davis (13-1) | 154 lbs., 12×3
Moses Itauma (10-0) vs. Demsey McKean (22-1) | Heavyweight, 10×3
Johnny Fisher (12-0) vs. Dave Allen (23-6-2) | Heavyweight, 10×3
Isaac Lowe (25-2-3) vs. Lee McGregor (14-1-1) | 122 lbs., 10×3
Daniel Lapin (10-0) vs. Dylan Colin (14-0) | 175 lbs., 10×3
Andrii Novytskyi (13-0) vs. Edgar Ramirez (10-1-1) | Heavyweight, 10×3 for WBC International Heavyweight Title
Stream Fury vs. Usyk 2 “Reignited” on DAZN network RIGHT HERE.
